Wayanad from Bangalore: My Weekend in Kerala’s Green Wonderland

Some trips aren’t just about places—they’re about moments. My journey from Bangalore to Wayanad was exactly that. It wasn’t just a change of scenery, it was a change of pace. In just under 7 hours, I went from honking horns and high-rises to rolling hills, coffee plantations, and the soft hum of cicadas.

If you’re planning your own escape, here’s everything I learned—from best routes and seasons to the hidden spots that made my trip unforgettable.

Getting from Bangalore to Wayanad: The Ride That Feels Like a Movie

The road trip itself felt like the first chapter of the story. I took the route via Bangalore – Mysore – Gundlupet – Sulthan Bathery, about 280 km of mostly smooth roads. After Gundlupet, the scenery changed dramatically—the Bandipur Tiger Reserve welcomed us with towering trees, dappled sunlight, and occasional wildlife sightings.

At one point, we stopped the car because a family of elephants was calmly grazing by the roadside. It was humbling and magical all at once.

If road trips aren’t your thing, there are plenty of overnight buses from Bangalore to Kalpetta or Sulthan Bathery. Trains aren’t direct—your nearest railway hub is Kozhikode, a couple of hours away from Wayanad by taxi or bus.

Travel Hack: Start before sunrise. Watching the sky change colors as you drive through Mysore’s open fields is an experience in itself.

The Best Time to Visit Wayanad from Bangalore

I’ve visited Wayanad twice, and both seasons felt different:

• Monsoon (June–September): Green turns greener, waterfalls roar, and the air is earthy and fresh. Trekking can be tricky, but if you love rain, it’s bliss.
• Winter (October–February): My personal favorite—cool weather, misty mornings, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
• Summer (March–May): Slightly warmer, but the hill climate keeps it pleasant compared to Bangalore.

This time, I went in January, and waking up to mist curling over the plantations was like waking up inside a painting.

What to See & Do: Wayanad’s Greatest Hits

Wayanad is the kind of place where you can be both lazy and adventurous in the same day. Here are the highlights from my itinerary:

Chembra Peak – The trek to the heart-shaped lake halfway up is the stuff Instagram dreams are made of. Beyond the photos, though, the silence up there is priceless.

Edakkal Caves – Ancient carvings that tell stories from thousands of years ago. The climb is steep but the history is worth it.

Banasura Sagar Dam – A vast stretch of calm water surrounded by lush hills. I took a speedboat ride here and laughed like a child.

Soochipara Falls – Hidden behind a short forest walk, this waterfall has a spray that will drench you even if you’re standing far away.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – My early morning safari through Muthanga range was all mist and magic. I saw deer, bison, and so many birds I couldn’t name them all.

My 3-Day Wayanad Itinerary from Bangalore

Day 1: Early morning departure from Bangalore, reach Wayanad by early afternoon. Check into a hillside stay near Vythiri, then spend the evening at Banasura Sagar Dam for sunset views.

Day 2: Trek Chembra Peak in the morning, visit Edakkal Caves after lunch, and end with a quiet evening at a spice plantation tour.

Day 3: Morning wildlife safari at Muthanga, then head to Soochipara Falls before driving back to Bangalore.

Stays & Food: Where I Slept and What I Ate

I stayed at a plantation homestay surrounded by coffee plants. Evenings were about sipping hot black coffee on the verandah, listening to the rain.

Wayanad’s food is hearty and comforting. My must-try list: Kerala parotta with chicken curry, appam with vegetable stew, and a plate of crispy banana chips for snacking. If you love fish, try the spicy Kerala-style fish fry—it’s unforgettable.

Local Tips & Travel Advice

• Budget: Expect to spend ₹6,000–₹10,000 for a comfortable 3-day trip from Bangalore, including travel, stay, and food.
• Packing: Trekking shoes, light sweaters for winter, and rain gear if visiting in monsoon.
• Wildlife Awareness: Slow down inside forest areas—wild animals have the right of way here.
• Cash & Connectivity: UPI works in most towns, but keep some cash for small shops. Network coverage can be patchy in remote areas.

Final Thoughts:

Wayanad from Bangalore isn’t just a weekend getaway—it’s a pause button on life. Whether you’re trekking misty peaks, chasing waterfalls, or just lying in a hammock listening to the rain, this place reminds you how good it feels to slow down. I left with muddy shoes, a camera full of memories, and a mind that finally felt uncluttered.